The unfortunate streak of aircraft accidents continues, and this time, it has hit a Delta Air Lines Regional Jet operating as DL4819 (Delta Connection CRJ-900) from Minneapolis to Toronto.
The aircraft hit the ground and tumbled during which the wings got ripped off and a fire broke out before the plane came to a halt upside down, injuring 21 people who were hospitalized subsequently.
As can be seen in the image featured above, taken by passenger John Nelson, only the straight hull remained short after the wreckage stopped; both wings were gone. You can watch the full clip below. Thankfully, John and the other passengers were fine, and 18 of them were briefly hospitalized with 3 people remaining under medical supervision.
Toronto-Pearson Airport responded with the fire department and ambulances to the scene, extinguishing the flames and taking care of injured passengers.
This is raw footage from a passenger who shot the clip after he got out of the fuselage:
Wow! For one, this looks super scary, but also… these winds, snow-covered and icy ground. Obviously, it’s deep winter in Ontario.
I also found this animation very useful to understand what happened there until more details emerge:
Weather conditions were far from ideal. It’s freezing cold these days in Toronto, and there were strong crosswinds paired with an icy runway.
Passengers telling their stories say that they smelled jet fuel inside the wreckage and dropped down after opening their seatbelts, obviously hanging in the air. Horrible!
Delta’s current Northeast Winter Weather travel waiver did not include Minneapolis or Toronto. Only AFTER the accident did the airline issue a new travel waiver named “Toronto Airport Closure“. That’s probably the understatement of the year.
This is Delta’s official press release:
Endeavor Flight 4819
Tuesday, Feb. 18, 9:37 a.m. update:
Delta teams continue to respond to Monday’s single-aircraft accident involving Delta Connection Flight 4819, operated by Endeavor Air.In total, 21 injured passengers were initially transported to local hospitals. As of Tuesday morning, 19 have been released.
“Our most pressing priority remains taking care of all customers and Endeavor crew members who were involved,” said Delta CEO Ed Bastian. “We’ll do everything we can to support them and their families in the days ahead, and I know the hearts, thoughts and prayers of the entire Delta community are with them. We are grateful for all the first responders and medical teams who have been caring for them.”
Delta’s incident response team deployed to Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ) Monday evening, including specially trained Delta Care Team representatives who provide support for customers, employees and their loved ones. Members of Endeavor Air’s leadership team are also on site to provide support and ensure full cooperation with investigators.
Delta and Delta Connection flights have resumed at YYZ, however two Delta flights are operating with larger aircraft to allow for greater arrival and departure capacity Tuesday. A travel waiver remains in effect on Delta.com for YYZ customers for travel through Feb. 20.
For the most current official information regarding Delta Flight 4819, visit news.delta.com and @DeltaNewsHub on X.
Delta teams continue to respond to Monday’s single-aircraft accident involving Delta Connection Flight 4819, operated by Endeavor Air.
In total, 21 injured passengers were initially transported to local hospitals. As of Tuesday morning, 19 have been released.
“Our most pressing…
— Delta News Hub (@DeltaNewsHub) February 18, 2025
This is yet another accident following those of recent weeks that could have also turned deadly, and there was A LOT of luck involved that saved the 80 passengers and crew this time.
Conclusion
Delta Air Lines flight DL4819, a Delta Connection CRJ-900 from Minneapolis St. Paul to Toronto Pearson Airport crashed upon landing at YYZ, causing the fuselage to break up and coming to a stop on its back.
Passengers were hanging upside down in the cabin and managed to free themselves, then following crew instructions for the evacuation. All 80 passengers miraculously survived this crash, with 21 injured and 3 people remaining in the hospital at this time.
Thankfully, there are no casualties this time. While traumatizing for all involved, the fact that there are only 3 people hospitalized with injuries right now is almost a miracle.
The forthcoming investigation will also be interesting in learning about the causes of this crash.
